Ted Danson's Life in Photos

Mar. 15, 2025

01of 31Ted Danson’s Early YearsGetty ImagesBorn on Dec. 29, 1947 in San Diego, California, Ted Danson was raised in Flagstaff, Arizona, where his father worked as an archaeologist and the director of the Museum and Research Center of Northern Arizona. He left home to study at Stanford University, where he found that he had an interest for the dramatic arts that led him to pursue an acting program elsewhere. Danson transferred to Carnegie Mellon University and earned his BFA in 1972.His journey into acting began in the 1970s with appearances on daytime soap operas including NBC’sSomersetandThe Doctors.

01of 31

Ted Danson’s Early Years

Getty Images

Born on Dec. 29, 1947 in San Diego, California, Ted Danson was raised in Flagstaff, Arizona, where his father worked as an archaeologist and the director of the Museum and Research Center of Northern Arizona. He left home to study at Stanford University, where he found that he had an interest for the dramatic arts that led him to pursue an acting program elsewhere. Danson transferred to Carnegie Mellon University and earned his BFA in 1972.

His journey into acting began in the 1970s with appearances on daytime soap operas including NBC’sSomersetandThe Doctors.

02of 31Ted Danson’s Second WifeGetty ImagesIn 1977, Danson married his second wife, Casey Coates. (His first wife was actress Randy Gosch, whom he married in 1970 and divorced in 1975.) Coates and Danson were married for 16 years. Together they share two daughters.

02of 31

Ted Danson’s Second Wife

In 1977, Danson married his second wife, Casey Coates. (His first wife was actress Randy Gosch, whom he married in 1970 and divorced in 1975.) Coates and Danson were married for 16 years. Together they share two daughters.

03of 31Ted Danson’s DaughtersRon Galella/Ron Galella Collection via GettyDanson’s two daughters, Kate (now 43) and Alexis (now 37) joined him at Cirque du Soleil on the Santa Monica Pier in 1989.

03of 31

Ted Danson’s Daughters

Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Danson’s two daughters, Kate (now 43) and Alexis (now 37) joined him at Cirque du Soleil on the Santa Monica Pier in 1989.

04of 31Ted Danson on Laverne & ShirleyABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via GettyEven before he hit his big break onCheers, Danson dipped his toes into the sitcom genre. In February 1980, he played Laverne’s fireman boyfriend for a one-episode stint onLaverne & Shirley.

04of 31

Ted Danson on Laverne & Shirley

ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty

Even before he hit his big break onCheers, Danson dipped his toes into the sitcom genre. In February 1980, he played Laverne’s fireman boyfriend for a one-episode stint onLaverne & Shirley.

05of 31

American Broadcasting Companies via Getty

Danson also appeared in a few television films, like the 1980 thrillerOnce Upon a Spy.

06of 31Ted Danson’s Big Break on CheersGetty ImagesDanson is still best known for his iconic role on NBC’sCheers. His performance as smooth-talking Sam Malone, the bartender and owner of the titular hangout spot, turned Danson’s career into stardom over the course of 11 seasons.In honor ofCheers’s 40th anniversary, Danson toldEntertainment Tonightthat he was “so blessed” to have played Sam Malone and expressed his gratitude: “Everything I do is because of the popularity of that show.“Danson won two Emmys and twoGolden Globesfor his time onCheers.

06of 31

Ted Danson’s Big Break on Cheers

Danson is still best known for his iconic role on NBC’sCheers. His performance as smooth-talking Sam Malone, the bartender and owner of the titular hangout spot, turned Danson’s career into stardom over the course of 11 seasons.

In honor ofCheers’s 40th anniversary, Danson toldEntertainment Tonightthat he was “so blessed” to have played Sam Malone and expressed his gratitude: “Everything I do is because of the popularity of that show.”

Danson won two Emmys and twoGolden Globesfor his time onCheers.

07of 31Ted Danson’s Cheers CostarsNBC/GettyDanson wasn’t the only mega-star spending time at the bar where “everybody knows your name.” He shared the set with big names like John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman, Kirstie Alley, Woody Harrelson, George Wendt and Shelley Long (not pictured), who played Sam Malone’s on-and-off love interest.

07of 31

Ted Danson’s Cheers Costars

NBC/Getty

Danson wasn’t the only mega-star spending time at the bar where “everybody knows your name.” He shared the set with big names like John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman, Kirstie Alley, Woody Harrelson, George Wendt and Shelley Long (not pictured), who played Sam Malone’s on-and-off love interest.

08of 31Ted Danson and Shelley Long’s Cheers ChemistryGetty ImagesOnCheers, Danson’s Sam Malone and Long’s Diane Chambers might have endured a rollercoaster of a romance, but their flirtations were far more like tennis matches. Even if they weren’t “meant to be” in the end, their back and forth kept fans glued to their screens every week.

08of 31

Ted Danson and Shelley Long’s Cheers Chemistry

OnCheers, Danson’s Sam Malone and Long’s Diane Chambers might have endured a rollercoaster of a romance, but their flirtations were far more like tennis matches. Even if they weren’t “meant to be” in the end, their back and forth kept fans glued to their screens every week.

09of 31

Ted Danson and Kirstie Alley on Cheers

Ted Danson and Kirstie Alley on Cheers.NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

“It was the episode where Tom Berenger proposes to Kirstie, who keeps saying no, even though she desperately wants to say yes,” Danson continued. “Kirstie was truly brilliant in it. Her ability to play a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown was both moving and hysterically funny.”

10of 31

Ted Danson in Something About Amelia

11of 31

Everett

12of 31Ted Danson’s Golden GlobesRon Galella/WireImageIn addition to the Golden Globe he took home forSomething About Amelia, Danson earned two more for his performance as Sam Malone inCheers, in 1990 (pictured) and 1991.

12of 31

Ted Danson’s Golden Globes

Ron Galella/WireImage

In addition to the Golden Globe he took home forSomething About Amelia, Danson earned two more for his performance as Sam Malone inCheers, in 1990 (pictured) and 1991.

13of 31Ted Danson’s EmmysJeff Kravitz/FilmMagicIn 1990, Danson took home his first-ever Emmy for outstanding actor in a comedy series, which was his ninth nomination (for roles includingCheersandSomething About Amelia).Danson would go on to win another statuette for the final season ofCheersin 1993, and today he can boast a total count of 18 Emmy nominations.

13of 31

Ted Danson’s Emmys

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

In 1990, Danson took home his first-ever Emmy for outstanding actor in a comedy series, which was his ninth nomination (for roles includingCheersandSomething About Amelia).

Danson would go on to win another statuette for the final season ofCheersin 1993, and today he can boast a total count of 18 Emmy nominations.

14of 31Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg’s RelationshipMitchell Gerber/Corbis/VCG via GettyDanson datedWhoopi Goldbergin the early 90s. During their time as a couple, they costarred in the 1993 rom-comMade in Americaalongside Nia Long andWill Smith.

14of 31

Ted Danson and Whoopi Goldberg’s Relationship

Mitchell Gerber/Corbis/VCG via Getty

Danson datedWhoopi Goldbergin the early 90s. During their time as a couple, they costarred in the 1993 rom-comMade in Americaalongside Nia Long andWill Smith.

15of 31Ted Danson and Mary Steenburger’s RelationshipTed Danson and Mary Steenburgen in ‘Pontiac Moon’.EverettDanson andMary Steenburgenplayed a husband-wife duo in the 1994 adventure flickPontiac Moon, and an onscreen romance turned into areal-life relationship.The duo had met before they joined on set ofPontiac Moon–Danson auditioned to play Steenburgen’s spouse onCross Creekback in 1983, but failed to get the part. Looking back, Danson says he’s glad he didn’t win the role. “I was a hot mess back then,” the actortold PEOPLE in February 2021, when the pair was featured as a cover story for the Love Issue.Luckily, the two reconnected while filmingPontiac Moonand have stayed linked ever since.

15of 31

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburger’s Relationship

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen in ‘Pontiac Moon’.Everett

Danson andMary Steenburgenplayed a husband-wife duo in the 1994 adventure flickPontiac Moon, and an onscreen romance turned into areal-life relationship.

The duo had met before they joined on set ofPontiac Moon–Danson auditioned to play Steenburgen’s spouse onCross Creekback in 1983, but failed to get the part. Looking back, Danson says he’s glad he didn’t win the role. “I was a hot mess back then,” the actortold PEOPLE in February 2021, when the pair was featured as a cover story for the Love Issue.

Luckily, the two reconnected while filmingPontiac Moonand have stayed linked ever since.

16of 31

Ted Danson’s Wedding to Mary Steenburgen

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen on their wedding day.Alex Bailey

Decades later, the duo is still as smitten as ever. In 2018,Steenburgen told PEOPLEthat their surviving love “gets more profound and deeper as we go through the blessings and joys, but also the hurdles, of life together.” She added: “I would literally sign up for 100 more lifetimes with him.”

In 2021, Danson onlyechoed his wife’s sentimentfrom a few years earlier. “I want as long as possible in my life with Mary,” he told PEOPLE. “I know it will have all of its hard parts but I want to experience love in all those moments.”

17of 31Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen’s Blended FamilyPaul Hawthorne/GettyTogether, Danson and Steenburgen share a blended family which consists of Danson’s two daughters and Steenburgen’s children with ex-husband Malcom McDowell, Lily McDowell, 47, and son Charlie McDowell, 39.

17of 31

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen’s Blended Family

Paul Hawthorne/Getty

Together, Danson and Steenburgen share a blended family which consists of Danson’s two daughters and Steenburgen’s children with ex-husband Malcom McDowell, Lily McDowell, 47, and son Charlie McDowell, 39.

18of 31Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen Act Together On ScreenTed Danson and Mary Steenburgen on ‘Gulliver’s Travels’.Alex Bailey/Sygma/GettyDanson and Steenburgen didn’t stop sharing screens once they were married. In 1996, they again played husband and wife in a miniseries adaptation ofGulliver’s Travels–Danson as Dr. Lemuel Gulliver and Steenburgen as his wife, Mary.

18of 31

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen Act Together On Screen

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen on ‘Gulliver’s Travels’.Alex Bailey/Sygma/Getty

Danson and Steenburgen didn’t stop sharing screens once they were married. In 1996, they again played husband and wife in a miniseries adaptation ofGulliver’s Travels–Danson as Dr. Lemuel Gulliver and Steenburgen as his wife, Mary.

19of 31

Ted Danson on Becker

CBS via Getty

20of 31Ted Danson Gets a Star on the Hollywood Walk of FameRon Galella Collection via GettyDanson’s status was cemented in stone in 1999, when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

20of 31

Ted Danson Gets a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

Ron Galella Collection via Getty

Danson’s status was cemented in stone in 1999, when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

21of 31Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen Costar in InkCBS via GettyDanson and Steenburgen set their feelings aside in the 1996 seriesInk, in which they play divorced journalists working at the same newspaper.

21of 31

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen Costar in Ink

Danson and Steenburgen set their feelings aside in the 1996 seriesInk, in which they play divorced journalists working at the same newspaper.

22of 31

Ted Danson in Curb Your Ebthusiasm

FilmMagic Inc/FilmMagic

23of 31

Ted Danson Reunites with Glenn Close in Damages

Jason Kempin/Getty

24of 31Tedd Danson Supports Mary SteenburgenCelebrating Steenburgen’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2009: top row, from left, Kate’s then-husband Jesse Bochco, Katrina Danson, Charlie McDowell and Kate Danson; bottom row, Lilly McDowell Walton, Steenburgen and Danson.Alberto E. Rodriguez/GettyDanson showed up to support his wife when she got her own star on the Walk of Fame in 2009.

24of 31

Tedd Danson Supports Mary Steenburgen

Celebrating Steenburgen’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 2009: top row, from left, Kate’s then-husband Jesse Bochco, Katrina Danson, Charlie McDowell and Kate Danson; bottom row, Lilly McDowell Walton, Steenburgen and Danson.Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty

Danson showed up to support his wife when she got her own star on the Walk of Fame in 2009.

25of 31

Ted Danson’s Climate Activism

John M. Heller/Getty

The book also details his own journey as a climate activist, which began with his interest as a child and evolved into real-world action in the ’80s, when he helped found the American Oceans Campaign that would later become the conservation organization Oceana. In 1991, Danson hosted the A&E documentary seriesChallenge of the Seas.

26of 31Ted Danson on CSISonja Flemming/CBS via GettyDanson played D.B. Russell in CBS’s fictional crime showCSIfrom 2011 to 2016. During his last year with the franchise, Danson’s character transitioned onto season 2 of the show’s spinoff,CSI: Cyber.At the time of his joining the cast,CSIexecutivesspoke about their excitementto bring him on board. Producer Don McGill called Danson a “perfect” fit. “Intelligence, wit, warmth, depth of character and emotion, he brings it all,” said McGill in 2011. “And now he’ll have to bring latex gloves, too.”

26of 31

Ted Danson on CSI

Sonja Flemming/CBS via Getty

Danson played D.B. Russell in CBS’s fictional crime showCSIfrom 2011 to 2016. During his last year with the franchise, Danson’s character transitioned onto season 2 of the show’s spinoff,CSI: Cyber.

At the time of his joining the cast,CSIexecutivesspoke about their excitementto bring him on board. Producer Don McGill called Danson a “perfect” fit. “Intelligence, wit, warmth, depth of character and emotion, he brings it all,” said McGill in 2011. “And now he’ll have to bring latex gloves, too.”

27of 31

Ted Danson o nFargo

Chris Large/FX

28of 31Ted Danson on The Good PlaceColleen Hayes/NBCEven though NBC’sThe Good Placewas set in hell, the comedy series showcased Danson’s heavenly comic timing. For four seasons, the Hollywood veteran starred as Michael, a “Bad Place” demon who discovers a new way to “torture” souls who misbehaved while alive on Earth. Alongside his robotic assistant Janet (D’Arcy Carden) he tricks Eleanor (Kristen Bell), Chidi (William Jackson Harper), Tahani (Jameela Jamil) and Jason (Manny Jacinto) into thinking they’ve gone to the heaven-like “Good Place,” only to drive them all insane with self-doubt.After the quartet discovers Michael’s deception, a wide arc of development unfolds for Danson’s anti-heroic character. By the end of the series, Michael is a friend to his former torture targets and works to help them discover their destinies.The cast was quick toform a bond, and Danson has spoken about the tight knit friendships he found on set. When the show wrapped in 2020, the actor said Steenburgren hosted a sleepover for her husband and the wholeGood Placegang. “It makes a party even better when you can wake up, have a coffee and reminisce,” said Dansonon theTodayshow.

28of 31

Ted Danson on The Good Place

Colleen Hayes/NBC

Even though NBC’sThe Good Placewas set in hell, the comedy series showcased Danson’s heavenly comic timing. For four seasons, the Hollywood veteran starred as Michael, a “Bad Place” demon who discovers a new way to “torture” souls who misbehaved while alive on Earth. Alongside his robotic assistant Janet (D’Arcy Carden) he tricks Eleanor (Kristen Bell), Chidi (William Jackson Harper), Tahani (Jameela Jamil) and Jason (Manny Jacinto) into thinking they’ve gone to the heaven-like “Good Place,” only to drive them all insane with self-doubt.

After the quartet discovers Michael’s deception, a wide arc of development unfolds for Danson’s anti-heroic character. By the end of the series, Michael is a friend to his former torture targets and works to help them discover their destinies.

The cast was quick toform a bond, and Danson has spoken about the tight knit friendships he found on set. When the show wrapped in 2020, the actor said Steenburgren hosted a sleepover for her husband and the wholeGood Placegang. “It makes a party even better when you can wake up, have a coffee and reminisce,” said Dansonon theTodayshow.

29of 31Ted Danson at a Climate Change RallyJ Scott Applewhite/AP/ShutterstockIn 2019, Danson joined fellow environmentalistJane Fondain a protest toraise climate change awarenessoutside of the U.S. capitol. Both of the green-minded celebrities were arrested during the rally.

29of 31

Ted Danson at a Climate Change Rally

J Scott Applewhite/AP/Shutterstock

In 2019, Danson joined fellow environmentalistJane Fondain a protest toraise climate change awarenessoutside of the U.S. capitol. Both of the green-minded celebrities were arrested during the rally.

30of 31Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen Celebrate 25 Years of MarriageKevin Mazur/GettyDanson and Steenburgen celebrated 25 years together in 2020, which she commemorated with an adorable Instagram post.“Thank you for making me laugh today and every single one of the last 9,125 days. You are the goofiest, wisest, kindest, dreamboat in the world,” she captioned a selfie of them. “I can’t believe how lucky I am.“A few months later, the happy couple appeared on the cover of PEOPLE’s first-ever Love Issue. In the magazine, Danson opened upabout their lasting relationshipand his appreciation for his wife.“If you keep being grateful for your life, your heart gets bigger. The bigger your heart, the more you get to love. Part of being human is to experience loving and being loved,” he said in February 2021. “I have that every day. When that kind of circle of love and being loved gets going, it’s truly divine.”

30of 31

Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen Celebrate 25 Years of Marriage

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Danson and Steenburgen celebrated 25 years together in 2020, which she commemorated with an adorable Instagram post.

“Thank you for making me laugh today and every single one of the last 9,125 days. You are the goofiest, wisest, kindest, dreamboat in the world,” she captioned a selfie of them. “I can’t believe how lucky I am.”

A few months later, the happy couple appeared on the cover of PEOPLE’s first-ever Love Issue. In the magazine, Danson opened upabout their lasting relationshipand his appreciation for his wife.

“If you keep being grateful for your life, your heart gets bigger. The bigger your heart, the more you get to love. Part of being human is to experience loving and being loved,” he said in February 2021. “I have that every day. When that kind of circle of love and being loved gets going, it’s truly divine.”

31of 31

Ted Danson in Mr. Mayor

Colleen Hayes/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

“I want them to take away a good laugh,” Danson said. “That’s our job. Our job is to be funny. Our job is to be funny in the brightest way we know how. All of us.”

source: people.com